Mets take a shot on hit-or-miss Ankiel

ST. LOUIS — The Mets signed Rick Ankiel and started him in center field on Monday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team that converted him from wild lefty pitcher to an outfielder.

The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS — The Mets signed Rick Ankiel and started him in center field on Monday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team that converted him from wild lefty pitcher to an outfielder.

The 33-year-old thought it a bit comforting that he returned to the majors in St. Louis, where he arrived as a hard-throwing lefty starter in 1999 but couldn't control his pitches. He's been an outfielder since 2005 and hit a career-best 25 homers with 71 RBI with St. Louis in 2008.

"Obviously, I've played here in Busch Stadium quite a bit, and it's just kind of ironic the first game back is here in St. Louis," Ankiel said. "But it'll be fun and I'm excited to get out there."

Also, the Mets said three days' rest was prescribed for closer Frank Francisco, who had been close to returning from rehabilitation before getting scratched from a bullpen session Saturday. Francisco was diagnosed with a mild strain of the flexor pronator in his surgically-repaired right elbow.

"I guess you could say it's a mild setback," assistant general manager John Ricco said.

Ankiel said he'd been in contact with the Mets the last two days while at home in Fort Pierce, Fla., and admitted he hadn't been sure he'd get another shot. He hit .194 with five homers for Houston, which had signed him to a $750,000, one-year deal. He struck out 35 times in 65 at-bats with

"You don't know, you really don't," Ankiel said. "I figured I would, and I was hoping I would and it did."

Ankiel was designated for assignment by the Houston Astros last week and cleared waivers on Sunday.

"I thought it was quick but it is what it is," Ankiel said. "I wasn't happy about the inconsistency, but my power was there. But it was early and I hope I get that turned around."

The Mets made the surprising move given they'd struck out 28 times the previous two games and manager Terry Collins had expressed concern about the lack of contact.

Ankiel was the choice as an above-average defensive outfielder with a veteran presence when "you're looking at what's available," Ricco said.

"Obviously, you'd like to hit on everything," Ricco said. "I think he's going to work with our guys and we have a lot of confidence ... he can cut strikeouts and still provide power."